Gemini spoke calmly. “Celia, your decisions lately have been irrational at best. Give yourself time to think things through before running after what is evidently the source of your problems.”

My shoulders crumbled and my body wasn’t far behind. I was so tired of fighting with those I loved. “I have to go,” I said, my voice cracking. “Take care of each other.”

I hurried into the limo and slammed the door. Taran pounded on the glass. “Celia. Don’t do this!”

The limo thundered away at my nod. Emme grappled with her misery all the way back to the mansion. I’d moved past misery and cuddled up with anger. Given a choice, anger always made a better lover than heartbreak.

Of all the things Aric could have said, how could he call Diane his mate? And how could he promise to give her a child when ours grew inside me with every breath?

Tye cleared his throat. “What are you thinking, dovie?”

“That I’m probably going to die, and so will you if you come with me.”

Tye tucked his hands behind his neck and spread his long legs across Agnes and Edith’s laps. They let him, obviously charmed by his white-blond hair, smooth tanned skin, and light blue eyes that cut through the darkness of the limo. “You know what your problem is?”

I groaned. “No, Tye, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

Tye reached out to me. In a blink, I lay across his lap and his mouth was tickling my ear. “You don’t believe in Destiny,” he whispered.

I pressed my fingers against his lips before he could kiss me. My thoughts at that moment remained with Aric. “I did believe in destiny once. I don’t anymore.” The tone in my voice wasn’t harsh like I’d intended. It betrayed every last trickle of emotion I’d fought to suppress.

Tye backed off and placed his hand gently on my knee. “Hell, Aric really did a number on you, didn’t he?”

Tye’s comment surprised me. He must have heard I’d broken our bond. And yet instead of blaming me, he held Aric responsible. I shrugged and moved back to my seat, just in time for the limo to roll to a stop.

I abandoned the Hummer at the same time Uri emerged from his. “I have arranged for a plane. Where do you intend to fly?”

I rubbed my hands, chilled from the sudden drop in temperature. “Panajachel. That’s the Tribe’s first destination. I’ll need cars and access to another plane in case we don’t stop them before they reach El Salvador.”

Uri nodded to his vampires. They dispersed to set my plans in motion.

Tim bowed to us. “Who do you want to come with us, Celia?”

“The strongest vampires we have. Make sure they eat, we leave in an hour—oh, and tell Hank to pop his arm back in place. He doesn’t have time to regenerate a new limb.”

I urged Emme, Danny, and Tye upstairs to check on Bren. They left without question, realizing my need to speak with Uri alone. “There’s something I need to discuss with you. If anything happens to me—”

“You wish me to care for Misha’s keep.” He scoffed when I said nothing. “Celia, as this family’s grandmaster my subordinates apprise me of everything. I see all and know all through them. You’d be a fool to think otherwise.”

It amazed me. The last few weeks and just now at the Den, I’d been Uri’s hero. Despite my fears, I’d stepped up to the plate and ensured the survival of his family. And now he felt the need to flex his supernatural muscles in my face. He’d never disrespected me before, but I found his arrogance offensive. “Whatever, Uri,” I snapped. It was a cocky response, and one that could have been perceived as a challenge. But I’d be damned if I allowed him to treat me as he pleased and kill me if it suited him.

He watched me for a beat, not speaking, not moving. I watched him too, certain he’d attack. When he spoke again, his tone was softer, but by no means apologetic. If anything, he resumed the role of the gentleman he pretended to be. “I will take custody of Misha’s family should you die. However…”

I rammed my hands onto my hips. “Yes?”

“Just return with my son and there will be no need to worry.” Uri stared at me closely, in a way that made me want to bite. I should have expected his greatest concern, like that of most vampires, was meeting his own needs. He didn’t care who perished if it meant getting Misha back. Hell, for all I knew he’d probably told the vampires to exchange me for Misha if it came down to it.

My anger rose, and I cursed myself for thinking I could rely on Uri. Would he keep Misha’s family safe if I died? As we continued to eye each other, I wasn’t so sure. He was nothing like Misha. He may have respected me to a degree because of my abilities, but to expect him to show me any compassion or weep at my graveside would be absurd.

Tim returned and bowed once more. “Excuse me, Grandmaster. Here is the meal you requested.”

Uri’s dinner consisted of two strapping young males that couldn’t have been older than twenty-three. Like most men Uri preferred, they carried a feminine beauty. He nodded approvingly and beckoned the tallest one forward. Lust glimmered in the young man’s eyes as he reached to stroke Uri’s neatly trimmed beard. Their arousal hit me almost immediately. “If you will excuse me, dear Celia, I need to dine before I turn in. I expect to hear from you regarding your progress.”

“I’m sure the vampires will keep you informed.” I started up the stairs. I knew what was coming, and yet I still cringed when Uri’s fangs punctured his dinner’s jugular.

Chapter Twenty

Emme perched on the bed next to Bren. To my joy, Bren’s bugle wasn’t blasting away, though it could have been out of respect for her sorrow. Tye leaned her against him. “Emme, don’t cry. Liam may have found his mate, but in time, you will, too.”

She rubbed her red swollen eyes. “I hope you’re right,” she said quietly.

He rubbed her back, but winked my way. “Don’t be jealous, Celia. I’m just trying to make my future sister-in-law feel better.”

I let out an exasperated laugh and sat next to them. Danny rubbed my shoulders. “How are you holding up?”

“About as good as always,” I muttered.

I examined my sister closely. Emme was born premature and had always been small. Her stature and her sensitive nature granted her a free pass to be vulnerable.